United Way of Southwest Michigan is inviting the public to attend our inaugural “Pop Up Giving” event on Thursday, October 18, from 5-7 p.m. at Haymarket Brewery & Taproom in Bridgman. Attendees will vote to decide where funds are distributed: to Big Brothers Big Sisters, LOGAN Center, or Berrien RESA.

What is “Pop Up Giving”?

· Proceeds from ticket sales are combined to create a “donation pot”.

· Three local education nonprofits, funded partners of United Way, make their pitches to the audience on the impact the money could have on their project.

· Attendees vote on who gets the pot! (However, the other two will receive a consolation prize.)

AEP Cook Plant has already kicked in $1,000 to get the pot started!

Brendan Kusisto, Nuclear Oversight Audit & Supplier Quality Supervisor at the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant, said, “The staff here work, live and prosper in Southwest Michigan, and feel a deep sense of pride about their community. We at Cook are also innovators that love new ideas and challenges, especially when it comes to finding ways to support our neighbors. When the staff learned about the ‘Pop Up Giving’ concept, we knew that, with the help of our partners at the UWSM, we could pilot this type of event in our community, with local nonprofits that we are passionate about, to bring a fun, fresh, and innovative event to Michigan’s great Southwest.”

Tickets are $20 and include one free drink. Haymarket pizza will be provided. Tickets will be available until 100 spots are filled, or by Monday, October 15. 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to the winning non-profit organizations. Doors open at 5 p.m.; presentations begin at 5:30 p.m.

Have fun. Give back. Create Impact. Register for the event at uwsm.org.

ABOUT UNITED WAY

United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.